Federal grant secured for Blackstock hall renovations

Scugog pockets $129,402 for recreation centre improvements

Federal grant secured for Blackstock hall renovations

Metroland file photo

BLACKSTOCK -- Children in the JK readiness program at the Blackstock Co-op Nursery School, on September 26, from left, Blake De Jordan, Presley Douma, Ryder Bortolazzo and Dana Schutt, were learning about the letter B from instructor Sandi Barnes. September 26, 2012

Related Stories

The Township received word late last week that it had been approved for a grant of $129,402 under the Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund offered by the federal government.

That money will be put towards an ambitious plan to refresh and improve the aging Church Street facility, which is expected to cost about $438,000.

Scugog had originally hoped to secure $142,500 through the federal grant program when it applied for the funds in August, but happily welcomed the news at Monday's municipal committees meeting.

This is excellent news. We can refurbish a hall th

"We're very happy with that," said Bev Hendry, Scugog's chief administrative officer, of the amount.

"This is excellent news," added Scugog Mayor Chuck Mercier. "We can refurbish a hall that is the centre of that community."

The original Blackstock Armouries were built in 1913 by the federal government and the facility was turned into a community centre in 1971. It now includes an arena and is home to the annual Blackstock Fair, Blackstock Co-operative Nursery School and countless other community events.

But, after nearly 100 years of use, the facility could use a little sprucing up, councillors were told in September.

"It's in need of refurbishment," said Craig Belfry, Scugog's manager of recreation and culture, when he informed council of the grant request.

As part of the proposal put forward by Mr. Belfry, the improvements would include upgrading the kitchen and bar area, as well as washrooms, to meet new accessibility requirements; replacing the ceiling and renovating the interior walls; and upgrades to the HVAC system and entrances.

The Township also plans to install new energy-efficient lighting and new audio-visual services, plus add an emergency generator so the building can be used as an evacuation centre if needed.

And that's good news to Nicole Probst, president of the nursery school, which has been located at the recreation centre since 1977.

"It would be awesome ... a whole makeover would be awesome," said Ms. Probst earlier this year. "All of those would be a great improvement to the rec centre."

The nursery school runs programs most weekday mornings, with an average of about 16 children taking part.

To help cover the remaining amount of the renovation costs, Scugog hopes to partner up with the Blackstock Agricultural Society and pocket an additional $125,000 from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.